Mixed media Halloween art
I made this project for the Powertex UK Design Team using the Secret Art Box. The October 2019 subscription box was packed full of Halloween-themed supplies. Pick up similar embellishments and pieces from craft stores or take a look on Powertex UK. See the supplies list below if you’d like to create something in this style.
The original step by step guide to this project was published on the Powertex UK Mixed Media Magazine. Watch the time-lapse video of me creating it (below) and read the tips for creating your own.
Supplies and Materials
- Powertex Universal Medium in Black
- MDF square base (Powertex UK)
- Easy Structure and Bister (Powertex UK) optional
- Corrugated card
- Loose weave fabric
- MDF shapes with a halloween theme
- Medium 3d texture balls and Powercotton threads (Powertex UK)
- Plaster skull
- Easy Varnish
- Powercolor pigments in Lilac, Blue and White
Why do I use Powertex Universal Medium?
Powertex Universal Medium is a paint, glue and fabric hardener which makes it perfect for creating mixed media art and crafts. All the pieces in this project have been coated and layered with Black Powertex and speed dried with a hairdryer before adding layers of colour.
The key to successful mixed media projects like these is to use a variety of textures. Being generous with your pieces helps too. Create foundation layers to build dimension and background texture. Corrugated card is brilliant but any packaging or tissue paper will give great textures too.
To finish, create a focal point. This could be something large or just different to the pieces around it. In this project I added a plaster skull on top of an mdf spider web. Use small textures at the end like the 3d balls and Powercotton threads to add details. Watch how I put the layers together in this time-lapse video.
Add colour with Powertex Powercolor pigments
Using powder pigments like Powercolor can seem strange if you’re used to paint or inks but these pigments are versatile. For this project, damp your brush with Easy Varnish and dip into the powder pigment to pick up some powder. Then mix this into a paint on a craft mat. Do this a little at a time as it can be quick drying.
A dry-ish paint is good for highlighting textures in this project. Use a flat brush to drag colour over your project. Build up colour slowly and if you don’t like what you’ve done, simply paint over it with another layer of colour.
Share your Powertex creation
I hope you’ve found these tips helpful for making your own mixed media projects.
If you’re looking for more Powertex inspiration, take a look at my Powertex gallery for ideas on the many ways to use it. If you’re new to Powertex you might find this blog helpful.
